The treaties basically existed (broad strokes here) to end wars and settle disputes and, ultimately, to preserve their way of life and guarantee they were not wiped out (as was the case for a much higher % of American tribes who kept the wars going).
I struggle with a solution since the indigenous have effectively been granted the benefits of the treaties (and their status) - along with the benefits of being part of the western civilization. I just dont see how a segregated system will ever work unless they truly go "back to their roots" and live off the land or completely join into society (can still preserve culture, etc, while doing it). More welfare and handouts is clearly not going to solve anything.
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